H.Y.P.E. (Helping Young People Excel)

Along with Tanya Odums, LCSW, Spry Lee Scott helps run a Brooklyn based, non-profit organization called H.Y.P.E. (Helping Young People Excel).  Together, they have helped a countless number of young people take control of their lives, and not become victims of their environment.  Below is a detailed description of the program.

Mission Statement
HYPE: Helping Young People Excel, Inc.  is a 501 (c) 3 non profit organization founded in January 2006. HYPE  is committed to providing disadvantaged youth and their families residing in  New York City with the support and skills needed to succeed in life.  Through the provision of counseling, tutoring, social and recreational services, HYPE seeks to prevent and reduce self destructive behaviors and empower urban youth to break the cycles of poverty, crime, violence, addiction and hopelessness that are characteristics of economically deprived communities.   HYPE understands the unique needs of disadvantaged youth and seeks to assist them in achieving their highest potential by providing access to resources, and opportunities for success that can help shape them into productive members of society.

Creative Recreation Program
HYPE  creative recreation program has been in existence since 2004 and has been effectively implemented in residential treatments centers for adolescent females.  This is a therapeutic leadership development program for at risk youth that utilizes expressive therapies to assist youth with channeling their energy creatively through the mediums of dance, drama, skating, creative writing and art.  Through the healing arts HYPE seeks to eradicate self destructive patterns of behavior.  The Brooklyn HYPE Skate Team is a recent addition to the Creative Recreation Program. The over all goal of this program is to help youth find alternative ways to cope with the challenges they face.  Through providing youth with the support and skills needed to succeed in life HYPE seeks to inspire youth to be their best by giving them an alternative to the streets and building character and moral through therapeutic recreational activities.

HYPE’s creative recreation program seeks to promote wellness of mind, body and spirit. Utilizing meditation techniques, group discussions, self development workshops, youth forums, field trips and the creative mediums of art, writing, music, drama and movement (dance, step, skating etc.) youth will be provided with opportunities to:

•    explore and develop their creative interest and talents;
•    socialize in a safe, structured, supervised environment  that promotes healthy/supportive peer relationships.
•    enhance leaderships skills; as wells as social and cognitive skills (i.e., communication, problem solving; and decision making skills)
•    develop self-control and self discipline;
•    develop a positive sense of self-esteem;
•    collectively heal from emotional trauma; and to tap into their spirituality to help youth persevere and cope with life’s challenges.

If you would like to make a donation or for more information contact
Tanya Odums, LCSW
Executive Director& Founder
718-922-4721
TanyaOdums4HYPE@aol.com

Ask Spry… What To Wear?

Hey Spry,

I am getting a new dress made for a party. Its Emerald green taffetta, just below the knee. I want to look elegant (its at a church) but still stylish with a little edge. I wish i could post a pic. So the question is what color shoes to wear?

-CLM

Dear CLM,

Emerald green taffeta? Sounds really cute! Spring is your time to shine, and who better to teach how to blossom than Mother Nature herself. She has fun with color, and so should you.

When accessorizing, first ask yourself, “What family is this color in?” Your emerald green dress is a member of the jewel tones. Therefore, explore your options amongst its relatives. My favorite would be a bright purple or hot pink. Try these purple suede heels by Steven.

But don’t stop at the shoes. For a little more pizazz, select another color for your bag. Remember to keep it in the family. Look at this yellow patent leather clutch.

Good luck, and make sure you take pictures and send them to me so I can post them on the site!

Ask Spry… Need A New Look!

Dear Spry,

Spry how can I change my “fashion sense” all together? I am very simple, plain and neat. I want to be a lil more edgy without going broke. HELP
-Iris

Hey Iris,

Nowadays everyone is trying to pinch a penny. Lord knows I am. With the new season coming up, now is the perfect time to reinvent your look. Here are three helpful hints….

1. Start with bold accessories. Not sure where you are now with them, but it’s always a great beginning to a newer you! Try bigger earrings, bold necklaces or large cuffs. Don’t be afraid to step outside of the box! Accessories can be fun and inexpensive. Just stay away from the 99 cent stores. LOL!

2. Splurge on shoes!!! I know, I know! You said you want to save money. So let’s just say “invest”! If you do have it in your budget, you should consider adding that one “statement piece”, for the season, to your footwear collection. Try getting a multi-colored shoe that you could rock with almost anything.

3. Color, print, texture, shimmer… Choose one (or two)! This can be done with jewelry, shoes or bags. You can also add these styles under other garments for layering. Once you’ve grown more comfortable, you can use these styles as outer layers. Just don’t do them all at once!

Good luck!

Spry Lee Scott

Fashion Week 2005

Celebrity Fashion Stylist, Spry Lee Scott hits New York City during Fashion Week to view the Spring/Summer collections.  See who Spry runs into as he hits up the parties and events!

Spry Lee Scott appears on MTV’s Run’s House (season 3)

If you follow the lives of the Simmons sisters on MTV’s “Run’s House”, then you’ll know of Angela’s desire to begin a fashion magazine (during season 3). She reached out to Harrison Publications to guide her in her new career path. While serving as Fashion Editor for Hype Hair Magazine, Spry Lee Scott was approached by the parent company (Harrison Publications), to serve as a consultant for Angela Simmons’ Rundown. This led to his cameo appearance on the show. Watch Spry Lee Scott on Run's House (Start looking for Spry around 3:40)

Hanging With Spry (BET Awards 2007 part 2)

You saw the dress (in part 1), now follow Celebrity Fashion Stylist, Spry Lee Scott, as he chooses accessories for Alesha Renee’s red carpet Appearance.

Hanging With Spry (BET Awards 2007 part 1)

Hang with Celebrity Fashion Stylist, Spry Lee Scott, as he shop’s for Alesha Renee (BET), to get her look together for the 2007 BET Awards.

The Next Big Thing (I mean RING)!

To celebrate his birthday, Spry Lee Scott’s favorite jeweler - Melody Burns of Kiini Ibura Jewelry - gifted him with a ring that one could only imagine.  As much as he loves it, the only downside (according to Spry) is that when he wears it out, “the ring” gets more attention than him (of course, this can be a problem for a Leo). Spry was upstaged, once again, while hanging with Danity Kane at their Dollhouse Jeans launch (Summer, 2008).  Notable blogger, Elaine Perlov made it a point to photograph his masterpiece!  See what she has to say about  Spry’s metal counterpart.

Also, shop for your own wearable art @ www.kiiniiburajewelry.com

BK Boyeez “PARTAY” with Spry!

On August 8th, 2008 (08/08/08), Celebrity Fashion Stylist/Fashion Savant, Spry Lee Scott celebrated his birthday with a “White and Gold” themed party.  Just in case you missed it, the BK Boyeez came out to party with him.  Read what they had to say about the night’s festivities.

BK Boyezz Partay With Spry

Spry hangs with the ladies of The Pink Suite…

On Wednesday, February 18th, Celebrity Fashion Stylist & Fashion Savant, Spry Lee Scott took a break from New York Fashion Week, to make a guest appearance on WEEN Radio.  Listen as Spry calls in to chat it up with the ladies of The Pink Suite, lending his voice to give “A Man’s Perspective On Women’s Fashion and Hygiene”.  Hear what he has to say on fashion trends, fashion dont’s, and how he handles a crazy caller!  FYI: a podcast of the show can be downloaded for your ipods or MP3 Players.

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